Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) play an essential role in the economy and innovation but often face scarce human and capital resources that can keep them from reaching their potential. Registered apprenticeships can help level the playing field for SMBs by helping them recruit local talent for promising careers in the today’s economy. Research also shows that SMBs experience the greatest return on investment from apprenticeship programs, but smaller employers are less likely than large employers to sponsor or participate in an apprenticeship program. 

Over the past three years, the Urban Institute has partnered with ApprenticeshipNC and Apprenticeship Carolina on the Small and Medium Business Tech Apprenticeship Project to help close the gap of SMB participation in the registered apprenticeship system and support the unique needs of SMBs in developing, expanding, and sustaining registered apprenticeships. 

Join the Urban Institute, Apprenticeship NC, and Apprenticeship Carolina as we celebrate the impact of this work and share lessons learned about 

• what barriers exist for SMB employers to start or participate in apprenticeship programs,
• how states and intermediaries can work together to support SMBs, and
• promising practices and innovations that make apprenticeship programs more accessible for SMBs. 

Speakers: 

• Bhavani Arabandi, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute
• Andrew Campbell, Policy Program Manager, Urban Institute
• Ashley Felton, Chief Executive Officer, Technically IT
• Chris Harrington, Executive Director, ApprenticeshipNC
• Amanda Richardson, Vice President, Apprenticeship Carolina 

Support for this event is provided by Google.org. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/organizational-principles.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.